“PRESENTS” FOR HITLER.

Kaikoura Star, Volume LXII, Issue 23, 23 March 1942, Page 4

“PRESENTS” FOR HITLER.

LONDON JEWELLERS UNITE. Thirty-eight London jewellers, silversmith and goldsmiths have formed themselves into a group to put their skilled craftsmanship to the best use in making war weapons. About 300 men, of an average age of 50, are. employed by the 38 firms, and in normal times their delicate, highly individualised wares are to be found in luxury shops all over the world. Trained in high-precision craftsmanship, they are having no difficulty in adapting themselves to the new work, although some of them, such as the leather workers, have never before worked in metal. This Silversmiths’ and Jewellers’ War Production Group, the first organisation of its kind, has been evolved by Mr W. F. Eve, factory manager of a famous Bond Street store. He presides over a council of five who allocate among the members the work received from various Government departments and assist the smaller concerns with cash advances if payment be delayed. Should any of the works he bombed out, the workmen will carry on in the premises of other members. Production, not price, is the aim:: an urgent job, for example, will be split among several members even though this reduces the profits of each.